President's Welcome

This webpage of presidential updates delivers on my pledge of open and clear communication with the Cal State San Marcos campus community. Along with my speeches, open forums, and video messages, these timely web reports will convey my thoughts about pressing issues and recent events directly to all of you, and this new avenue of communications seems fitting for our tech-savvy 21st-century campus! As I am a firm believer in two-way communication, I hope you will send me your thoughts via my pres@csusm.edu e-mailbox. I'm eager to hear what's on your mind and learn which topics you might like me to address in future reports.

February 10, 2012
A DREAM Realized

This morning, I had the distinct pleasure of participating in a wonderful press conference regarding the DREAM grant. Since 2009, faculty at Cal State San Marcos have been working with more than 141 teachers and 3,000 third- and fourth-graders in schools across North County to improve reading scores. The study is funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Education, and the results are why educators, artists and news media gathered at the North County Regional Education Center.

Students who participated in the program went from below basic reading levels, to basic proficiency, to way beyond. In fact, their test scores rose 90 points! Through puppetry, drawing, music, and animation, students “live” the stories they read. For example, Hector DeLeon, a teacher at Vista Academy, used jazz to help his 32 students explore the 20s. He asked his students to draw what they thought jazz would look like and then to add words that described jazz. Those words then turned into sentences, which turned into paragraphs, which turned into stories and poems….and a room full of engaged students led by an enthusiastic teacher. You can watch a clip of the students and their projects. (read more)

February 3, 2012
Report to the Community Message

On Thursday, I delivered my eighth annual Report to the Community where I shared my vision for Cal State San Marcos and our importance to our region.

Higher education is under attack. State support is on the verge of falling 35 percent during a time when the need for an educated workforce is growing.

College graduates are the ones who will help propel our region forward, so I want to make it clear that public education is a public good. CSUSM possesses an unwavering belief in the ability of education to transform lives and entire communities - and we do so every day by preparing tomorrow's leaders, building better communities, solving critical issues and engaging our community for the common good. (read more)

January 27, 2012
Welcome Back

Welcome back, everyone. I hope you enjoyed your winter break and that you had a productive first week of classes. As you may have noticed, this is sure to be a very busy spring semester.

If you were able to keep up with the news over the past few weeks, you know that with the Governor’s projected budget, we continue to face difficult times as a public institution of higher education. Yet, at Cal State San Marcos, our careful and strategic planning has enabled us to grow and expand in meaningful ways that enhance student learning and campus life. (read More)

December 19, 2011
CSU Online Forum

A brief introduction and video recording of the Q & A section of the CSU Online Forum held on November 30, 2011 is available at: http://www.csusm.edu/president/videos/onlineforumintro.html.

December 13, 2011
Budget Message

Earlier today, as we had anticipated, the Governor officially announced that due to a shortfall in state revenues the budget to the CSU would be cut by $100 million for the 2011-12 fiscal year. For our campus this represents a $2.5 million reduction.

As I shared with you in October when it seemed likely that this cut would occur, we have identified solutions for addressing the mid-year general fund reduction that do not negatively impact divisional operations or instruction in the current year.  We will address the mid-year reduction with an all-funds budgeting approach, using carry-forward funds from the previous fiscal year and excess fee revenues from exceeding our enrollment target and leveraging self-support revenues or other campus-based fees. (read more)

December 8, 2011
Holiday Video Message

Happy holidays to you all! I invite the campus community to visit my web page for the a new video message at: http://www.csusm.edu/president/videos

December 5, 2011
Zomalt Outstanding Service Award

Zomalt Winnder David BarskyUpon the recommendation of the Executive Council, I am delighted to announce that Dr. David Barsky of Academic Programs is the 2011-2012 Ernest and Leslie Zomalt Outstanding Service Award honoree.

During his 17 years at Cal State San Marcos, Dr. Barsky has gone above and beyond in his efforts to provide an exceptional academic experience for CSUSM students. From his tenure-track position as a member of the mathematics faculty to his current role as Associate Vice President for Academic Programs, Dr. Barsky has distinguished himself through exemplary service to the university and by his commitment to providing a high quality public education to our students. Dr. Barsky launched the Mathematics Acceleration Program in the Summer (MAPS), he expanded CSUSM’s GEL program by creating Summer Academy, he lobbied for the formation of the Office of First Year Programs, and he created and chaired the First Year Council. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators seek him out for his knowledge and insight and, as several of his colleagues noted, Dr. Barsky “is a man of unshakable integrity and honor. He is consistently the go-to guy for all matters, seeking creative solutions to puzzling issues and bringing levity to difficult situations.”

For his significant and immeasurable contributions to the university, I hope you’ll join me in congratulating Dr. Barsky on being named the 2011-2012 Ernest and Leslie Zomalt Outstanding Service Award honoree. I look forward to seeing you on January 19 at 11:00 a.m. as we recognize each of the recipients at the Annual Faculty and Staff Awards Reception.

December 2, 2011
2011-2012 President's Faculty & Staff Awards

I am pleased to announce this year's President's Awards for faculty and staff:

President's Outstanding Faculty Award for Outstanding Lecturer
Natalie Wilson, Women’s Studies and Literature & Writing Studies

President's Outstanding Faculty Award for Scholarship and Creative Activity
Judit Hersko, Visual and Performing Arts

President's Outstanding Faculty Award for Service Leadership
Glen Brodowsky, College of Business Administration

President's Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching Innovation & Excellence
Edward Price, Physics

Employees of the Year
Gezai Berhane, Student Affairs
Jeffrey Marks, Institutional Planning & Analysis

Please join me on Thursday, January 19, at 11:00 a.m. in the Dome as we recognize each of the recipients at the Annual Faculty and Staff Awards Reception.

November 10, 2011
A Special Thanks to Our Veterans

Veterans Day is an opportunity for us to honor those who have proudly worn the uniform of service and who have given their lives in war. As important as the military is to our region, CSUSM couldn’t let the occasion pass without taking a moment to recognize those who have defended and protected our freedoms. 

It is estimated that more than 40,000 troops will return home over the next year, and roughly half of those veterans will enroll at colleges and universities across the country. At Cal State San Marcos, veterans account for almost four percent of our student population — among the highest percentages in the CSU, and a number that we are extremely proud of.

Veterans enrich our community in numerous ways. They bring to campus camaraderie, fellowship, and valuable life lessons that inspire us all. They remind us to have courage, to believe in our dreams, and to pursue our interests with passion.

We have created what I believe is a welcoming home at CSUSM for veterans and active duty military personnel. We are a campus that cares, an ethos clearly reflected in the services and support offered to our students. For example, in our acclaimed veteran's center, veterans and others share stories, build friendships, and find needed resources. 

In all that we do at Cal State San Marcos, we strive to give our veteran and military students and their families what they have given to us: the promise of brighter tomorrows. It’s only fitting then that we always remember to honor our veterans on this day and every day.

October 24, 2011
Diversity and Educational Equity

After an extensive nationwide search earlier this year, the University was fortunate to hire Derrick Crawford in April as our first Associate Vice President for Diversity, Educational Equity & Ombudsperson. As you know, I have always been committed to diversity at Cal State San Marcos and to ensuring that we are a welcoming campus to all. I felt, however, that there was an opportunity for us to do better, to serve as a model institution of tolerance and inclusion, so I created the AVP position.

Derrick and I are working closely on developing strategies for moving diversity and educational equity at CSUSM forward. We are having candid conversations and creating a comprehensive program to address best practices in these areas. I have asked that Derrick present me with his final plan in spring 2012. Included in this plan will also be Derrick¿s responsibilities as ombudsperson, a newly created role at CSUSM designed to provide a fair and impartial ear to students and staff with pressing issues or concerns. I encourage you to share any suggestions you may have with Derrick on the direction diversity, educational equity and ombudsperson efforts at CSUSM should take. Derrick will also be reaching out to students, staff, faculty, and the larger community to hear your thoughts. (read more)

October 20, 2011
Affirming a Campus Environment of Inclusion and Civility

Today, people across the country are celebrating Spirit Day an opportunity to speak out against bullying and the marginalization of students, from elementary school to colleges and universities. The occasion marks an opportune time for Cal State San Marcos to reaffirm our commitment to our core values of inclusiveness and respect. It is our differences ¿ in ideas, backgrounds, religions, cultures, and more ¿ that have created the rich and diverse environment in which we learn, teach, and work.

Like every public university in the United States, CSUSM must balance the values and beliefs that have shaped our university into an inclusive campus with those of the Constitution, which allows for freedom of speech and expression. We deeply value the tenets of the Constitution and believe in the civil rights of individuals. At the same time, we recognize that there may be instances that while protected by the First Amendment, are contrary to CSUSM's core values of diversity and inclusion. In such times, the university seeks to support students who may feel marginalized as a result, while acknowledging individual rights and responsibilities.

There are many campus resources available to support students personally, academically, and in feeling safe on campus. I encourage you to take advantage of any of the following services:

Also, the newly created Civility Campaign provides an opportunity for the campus community to show its support for and commitment to our core values. You can learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved in promoting care, respect, and empathy at Cal State San Marcos by visiting www.csusm.edu/civility.

October 19, 2011
Budget Message

The 2011-12 enacted state budget included a trigger for an additional $100 million reduction to the CSU if state revenue forecasts were not met. The State Controller reported last week the total year-to-date general fund revenues are now behind the budget's estimates by $705.5 million. We were hopeful the Governor and legislature would find alternatives to pulling the trigger on higher education, but we must plan in the likely event it occurs.

If the $100 million reduction is triggered by the state, our share of the reduction is $2.5 million. The vice presidents and I have identified solutions for addressing the mid-year general fund reduction that do not negatively impact divisional operations or instruction in the current year. We will address the mid-year reduction with an all funds budgeting approach, using carry-forward funds from the previous fiscal year and excess fee revenues from exceeding our enrollment target and leveraging self-support revenues or other campus-based fees. (read more)

October 14, 2011
Qualities of a Cal State San Marcos Leader

Recently, I was asked to share my thoughts on leadership with participants of the 2011 Cal State San Marcos Leadership Academy. I enjoy any moment I have to speak with the exceptional faculty, administrators, and staff at CSUSM, and I was delighted to explain my thoughts on what being a leader entails.

My leadership style was born over many years as a social worker and educator. Through observing others, collaborating on teams, and managing projects, I have learned three important lessons: (read more)

July 1, 2011
Budget Update

Yesterday, Governor Brown signed the fiscal year 2011-12 state budget, reducing year over year funding to the California State University by at least $650 million, a 23 percent cut. The $650 million includes the $500 million reduction approved by the legislature in March, and an additional $150 million that was part of the budget signed by the Governor on Thursday. The enacted budget also includes a trigger for an additional $100 million reduction to the CSU if state revenue forecasts are not met. During the Board of Trustees meeting on July 12, the CSU plans to address the additional $150 million to $250 million reduction. Chancellor Reed will recommend an additional tuition fee increase of 12 percent or $294 per semester effective for fall 2011 term to cover the immediate $150 million reduction.

Cal State San Marcos is continuing with our previous planning assumptions, which included various contingencies based on our earlier decisions and conservative spending over the past three years. We are not anticipating any enrollment or personnel reductions at this time. Current searches are proceeding. I will continue to provide updates through the summer as we receive them.

May 18, 2011
Budget Update

As we close the academic year and put the finishing touches on the preparations for our commencement activities, I want to again thank you for the extraordinary work you have done this year to serve our students and to keep this university on an impressive trajectory despite facing economic uncertainty. The accomplishments I mentioned in my April 11 Spring Update are just a few of the many from this past year. Our students have excelled and even outperformed the competition in academic achievement, student research, community service and athletics, all of which are wonderful reminders of our mission and our transformative impact on this region. (read more)

May 10, 2011
Congratulations Class of 2011

I invite the campus community to view my video message at: http://www.csusm.edu/president/videos

April 11, 2011
Spring Update

With just a few short weeks remaining in the academic year, I thought I would update you on some of the many activities that have been underway this academic year and particularly this semester.  

Although there continues to be uncertainty with the state budget, there have been no new budget developments that have changed our planning assumptions since my last budget forum on January 27 (full remarks of forum). The legislature approved the $12 billion budget reductions of the Governor's proposal, which included the $500 million reduction to the CSU. There has not been any compromise on extending certain taxes expiring in June, which made up the remainder of the Governor's proposal to close the state budget gap.  The Governor is now exploring options for a September ballot initiative. As I have said in my budget forums, while the budget reduction has significantly impacted our ability to grow and serve students, we have made prudent decisions, our UBC has been thoughtful in their deliberations and recommendations, and we have implemented plans that have allowed us to manage the crisis. I remain committed to, and our budget plan still includes, all of the activities and searches that are underway. (read more)

February 3, 2011
Report to the Community

Present Karen Haynes

President Haynes' remarks for the Report to the Community are available here.

January 27, 2011
President Haynes' Budget Forum

The text of President Haynes' remark are available here.

January 12, 2011
Budget Update

President's Budget Forum Scheduled for Jan. 27, University Hour, ARTS 240

On Monday, Governor Brown released his 2011-12 budget proposal aimed at closing the estimated $28 billion spending gap in the California Budget. The governor has proposed significant cuts in state support for the California State University. The 18 percent reduction or $500 million puts state funding support for the CSU at the same level as the 1999-2000 fiscal year.  However, CSU is serving nearly 70,000 more students. Overall, the governor's budget reduces state support for all California's public higher education institutions by $1.4 billion. The governor has not indicated there will be any mid-year cuts. 

These reductions likely will have a severe impact on our ability to serve our region and our students, restricting access to qualified applicants and challenging our ability to achieve our long-term goals for growth. (read more)